Sew Gifts – Make Memories
Shop outside the big box stores and make your own gifts from new or upcycled fabrics. In the Sewing With Nancy series, Sew Gifts–Make Memories, we sew gifts for kids and adults that will be appreciated, and enjoyable to make. Mary Mulari is my guest for this series—she always amazes me with her clever approach to sewing.
In Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part One, we start with Mary’s December Countdown Calendar. Mark the days of December by moving vintage or contemporary buttons from the strip to a dot on the tree. The pockets at the bottom of the calendar can be used for letters to Santa or for small notes promoting acts of kindness for others.
Next in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part One, we show how to sew a Two-Pocket Shoe Bag. Carrying shoes to the gym, school, travel, and work is an everyday event. Why not make these clever bags just for that purpose? Choose new fabric, or recycle a shirt and tie. Either way, this is a useful gift to make and offers many opportunities for personalization.
Our third gift idea is a Noodle Lounger! Using mesh fabric and grosgrain ribbon, create a lounge-style seat that fits over a swimming noodle. Make one for yourself and another for a friend, and then share lazy summer afternoons seated and relaxed in the water—making more memories. Tune in to Sew Gifts–Make Memories, and learn Mary’s convenient way to fold and store your lounger. 
Next up in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part One, Mary shows how to make Seat Belt Wrappers. Add comfort to children’s car seats with plush wraps that pad the straps near the neck. A little bit of stitching, small strips of hook and loop tape, a touch of ribbon and lightweight quilt batting are all you’ll need.
Then, watch as we turn one beach towel into two hooded bath towels for babies or toddlers. This practical, quick-to-sew gift easily wraps around little ones with ease—it’s sure to be a welcomed gift and a wonderful surprise.
Our sixth gift idea is a Girlfriend’s Shopping Purse. Celebrate your friendship by making a purse for your girlfriend or sister. These bags are perfectly sized for a day of shopping, lunch, and travel. All the essentials—phone, keys, credit cards, cash, and tissues—fit in this compact and lightweight bag. Thanks Mary, for sharing your gift sewing ideas on Sewing With Nancy! Tune in next week to see more of Mary’s gift ideas in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part Two.
Watch Sew Gifts–Make Memories (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a copy of the book, Sew Gifts–Make Memories by Mary Mulari, please leave a comment below and let us know what gifts you’re sewing.
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Jane McLean
I love sewing small gifts. I just made a Grab-Bag knitting bag with sheep print fabric for my daughter-in-law’s birthday and used fabric with fruit print to create a Mary Mulari-inspired apron for our daughter’s resort home.
Dawn
I am making a couple quilted table runners for a charity auction for a neighbor that was badly injured in a car accident. Love the ideas in this book!
Judy
I want to make the little shopping purses. It’s a great use for those smaller pieces of fabric and it can be made as classic or creative as a sewist desires!
Gail Mitchell
I love Mary M’s sewing. I’ve been following her on your show for years. She really is a practical sewer which I love. My dream is to meet and sew with her someday.
Clovis
Nice gift ideas. I will be sewing pot holders and embellished towels.
Betty Tolan
I like sewing totes and purses of all sizes and especially making them out of previous items!
Betty Tolan
Making anything Mary Mulati and Nancy show
Renea Yarolim
I see so many of these little gift ideas that I would definitly like to make. Thanks for the giveaway
Becky
Love the phone holder. My husband has requested one but with a built in belt loop, so I made a rough draft of one and he has already given it away to another man he works with who liked the idea. I am working on one that is totally functional and sturdy for use on a construction site.
Linda Nelson
I am making a passport holder fo my daughter who will be studying in London in the fall.
Joe Helen Grimes
I love to get together with sewing buddies to make gifts for family and friends.
Sheila
I’ve made assorted tote and garment bags for family and friends. I like the Noodle Lounger which would be a great gift for my granddaughter and my niece who both love to hang out in the pool.
Diane C
I need this book. My husband has been asking for a noodle lounger for our poll and I want to make the towel
Marty
I’m sewing quilts now, and then I plan to make the hooded towels from this. Thanks!
LinJean
I’d like to make the girl’s small shopping purse. Now I’m making tortilla warmers.
Gillie Ciriaco-Runge
Nancy’s book always have the unique ideas. I have her 30 favorite Gifts to Sew and my granddaughters loves to learn from them, because its self teaching book. I love to have more of her books to leave to my granddaughters.
nancy lewis
Great gift ideas!! I am sewing phone bags and am hooked!! I can’t wait to gift these to my daughter and granddaughter. I love the Noodle lounger. This would make a great gift for the swimmers in my family.
Nancy
I’m making a gym bag for my daughter’s birthday.
Patty
Working on baby shower gifts.
Pam Miner
I would love to win this book. I could have a hay day with all that is included. Thanks Pam
Linda Severs
Handmade gifts are such an expression of love. I’d appreciate this book full of clever ideas to shower my special ones with tangiable mementos.
Barbara Kissler
Handmade gifts are a wonderful way to say “I love you.”
Twyla
What a neat book for gift ideas! My granddaughters would like the shopping purse. I want to make the towel for a baby gift.
THANKS for the opportunity to win!
Sandra Cantrell
Useful, fun and cute. Would enjoy this book and opportunity to make someones day by gifting these items that are affordable and quick.
Glynn Martin
This sounds like a wonderful book! There are several of the projects listed here that I’d love to make and I’m sure I’d find more in the actual book.
Kathy Luehrs
love those shopping purses – what a great gift they would be
Jane Graber
I love these ideas. Thanks for sharing.
annamarie dodge
I am making a “wrestling buddy” for a friends son. I made one for my son when he was little, and he still plays with it even now as a teenager…sure beats practicing wrestling moves on a real person lol
Marilyn Varrassa
I’m always looking for ideas for sewing gifts for family members including children. Love these ideas, especially the Seat Belt Wrapper and the Shopping (Traveling) Purse. Mary Mulari is a favorite of mine.
Lynda A.
I always love to see Mary Mulari and her newest creations on Sewing With Nancy. Both ladies inspired me to sew easy and useful projects for gifts. I can’t wait to make the shopping purse!
Donna Lee
I just finished a jewelry travel roll bag for a graduation present and am trying to finish up two very late baby gifts. Then it’s on to some summer sundresses for my grands. I’m intrigued by the shopping purse in Mary’s book as well as the other gift possiblities!
Jan
Thank you! for sharing all of your sewing ideas & hints.
Would love to have a free copy of your book.
I contribute my love of sewing to my Mother &
her many sewing endeavors. My first sewing was on a treadle machine at home and school. We had to learn to use the treadle before we advanced to the electric machine.
Currently, I’ve used my first purchased machine for 56yrs.
Still working well. Have passed my love of sewing on to my daughter who is a beautiful crafty quilt seamstress.
Thank you for all of your wonderful sewing ideas.
Jean
Shoe bags for traveling have been on my to-do list for a while. I guess I was waiting for a clever pattern to inspire me.
Ilana
Today I plan to make a zippered pouch on my embroidery machine for an extra little gift for my daughter’s birthday.
Donna Fecteau
I love those pool loungers! How awesome. I am working on placements for a wedding shower present at the moment.
Estelle
The wrap for the car seat straps is such a great idea and what a unique gift! My best friend is expecting her first grandchild and would love to make it for this baby.
ROBIN RODRIQUEZ
Oh my! So many things I would make from this collection!!! Love it.
Dorothy Wyatt
The little shopping purse would be an ideal gift (with money enclosure!) for several graduates on my list. YEA!
Dorothy Wyatt
The little shopping purse would make an ideal graduation gift (with a bit of $$ enclosure!) for several graduates on my list.
Linda Pierson
Love these ideas! I’m working on T-shirt quilts for my sons and grandson using my late husband’s shirts and air force themed fabric for backing.
Martha
We have twins in the family. Would be cute to make some his and hers seat belt wrappers. Can’t wait to see the series on tv.
PamB
That baby is the cutest! I love all these ideas. I am making a purse for a friend and a towel converted into a tote bag for the pool for another friend. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I love Mary Mulari’s books!
Arlene
Working on a quit for an anniversary gift now but a new baby is coming in the fall so the towel wrap will be in my planning.
Starla
Much of what I make becomes gifts. I’ve been wanting to do something with towels for quite awhile.
Shaela
I have so many lovely handkerchiefs so the table runner would be an ideal project–that and placemats!
Sue Propst
I am always looking for creative ways to use leftover fabrics into something useful. This book would be perfect for me!
Sherry Hickey
I’m going to try the hooded towel and the car seat wrap for my granddaughter and my great nephew!
Bernice
I would love to make the Countdown to Christmas calendar. I love to use buttons on projects…Also the table runner.. Thanks for your great show. I have learned so much from your episodes..
Sherry Hickey
I’ll be trying the hooded towels and the car seat strap wrap for my granddaughter and great nephew!
Debbie
I’m making a busy book for my youngest grandson
Delores
My DD would love the pool lounge chair for herself and family. What a clever design! Hats off to Mary and Nancy! Can’t wait to try this one!
Kathleen Johnson
I am now working on a table runner for one of my daughter in laws and rag quilts for the older grandchildren. I would love to make the Christmas Tree for my grandchildren. I know the younger ones would love it! Thank you Nancy and Mary for all the wonderful ideas!
Savita Chandragiri
I recently updated my sewing machine and was able to stitch leather. I made a cell phone holder for my husband, with leather scraps on my new machine with a teflon foot and a leather needle to assist. It has a flap cover with velcro attachments, and a belt strap.
Łinda Rupe
Making gifts for new babies in our neighborhood, church and community makes me happy and the parents are appreciative.
Barbara Lussier
I don’t have little ones in the family any more, but I want to make the seat belt wraps for me! During the summer, the seat belt rubs on my neck and I am always trying to pull it loose and re-position it. This summer I am going to have seat belt wraps. I also want to attempt the noodle lounger for my grandchildren who have a pool.
Carol Tyrka
I am making a tshirt quilt for my grandaughter who is graduating from High School. I love making gifts for all my 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Elizabeth Lewis
What a great compilation of gift ideas! With a new grandson I know the hooded towel will be a welcome gift that is easy to personalize.
janet walters
the Girlfriend”s shopping Purse is something I’ve been wanting to make, I have started to look for a pattern, this would be perfect for the summer!
Kathryn E
I am currently making gifts for a baby shower. The baby bib would make a nice addition to my projects as would the tote. I would like the girlfriend’s bag for myself.
Tracey Smith Anderson
I just love reading your regular email tips and tricks. I do a lot of sewing for various charities in my spare time. One non-profit is The Back To School Clothing Drive in Phoenix, AZ. Besides dresses for girls and shirts for boys, we also make little purses for girls and pillowcases for boys. I’m going to use your gift idea of a “Girlfriend’s Shopping Purse” to make a couple of purses for the little gals.
Noreen
My latest stitching project was to make hand stitched leather purse accessories, and leather cell phone covers.
Florence Dupuis
I just finished several items for my great granddaughter. I made burp cloths, bibs, car set quilt, baby’s first Christmas stocking an couple of crochet items. Would love to make the Christmas tree calendar for her.
Colleen Bunner
I am sewing handbags/totes using the Trace N’ Create templates.
A Rock
I have been making some in the hoop zipper bags. They’re great for keeping your purse organized!
I always made a cosmetic roll with pockets to keep small cosmetics from rolling around and getting lost!
Both were great ways to use up the fabric stash!
Deb
Thanks for this great show. I plan to make a lot of the baby towels as there are many new babies due in our church. Also the purses. I’d like to try the noodle lounger. Will it really hold me up? lol
beth d.
I love making small gifts for relatives and friends. would love to have that book.
Susan
I am working on Memory Pillows and a Memory Bear. Then I will go back to some projects for a Ladies Retreat in November.
Beverly
Making gifts for friends and loved ones shows them they are important to you and I love the huge smiles the recipients give me when I five a homemade gift.
Beverly
Making gifts for friends and loved ones shows them they are important to you and I love the huge smiles the recipients give me when I give a homemade gift.
G Hubbard
Have a new baby in the family, so would love to make a few towels!
Ginger
Currently making a quilt, but love the hooded towels for my great grands!
Jade
I am currently making a little purse and matching wallet for a gift…my machine is calling…gotta go!
Edna Marks
want to try the noodle lounge chair and the Christmas count down tree .
Dee
I’m always looking for gifts ideas. Currently I’m making zippered pouches for graduation gifts. Thanks for a chance to win this book!
Helen kindred
I will be trying the small purse. So cute and so useful. So a great way to use up fabric pieces.
Maxine Nichols
I am currently working on a quilt top and would love to have the book so I have some small items to make for friends and birthdays coming up in between.
LOVE your programs and I’m always bummed when they aren’t on my local PBS station.
Nancy McKenzie
I love making gifts. Working on some pot holders and purses right now.
Debbie E
I’m working on pencil holders and will make the shoe holder for basketball & ballet shoes
Alice B.
I have been working on a handbag for my daughter.
I cut it out some time ago and have had a little battle with cancer slow me down. Sewing has been such a source of pleasure when I am unable to do anything else. I feel I am doing something worthwhile!
I have had fun taking the purse pattern and adapting to a diaper bag. I added pockets inside for a place for diapers and other extra pockets as well. Years ago I went to Bernina University and took a class from Mary. All I can say is wow. She is so talented and generous to share her talents.
Susan Spiers
Right now I’m working on finishing a quilt for my granddaughters graduation & off to college! Hope she like it! Thank you, Susan
Karen
I’d like to try and make the shoe bag, as that looks very useful. I would like to use up some fabric and make the car seat belt wrappers for the local Care Net organization. I wish I knew about them when my grand was that little. Lastly I think the little purses are adorable and would make great thank you gifts.
kathy
I am going to be making an eyeglass case for my mother for Mother’s Day to keep her sunglasses in. Love sewing for others.
Arlene Burger
I jyst finished sewing a simple baby quilt for my granddaughter. It will be her first Mother’s Day.
Bonnye
What a neat seat belt wrapper. Perfect for my 18 month old grandson and his month old sister.
Brenda
I am making shopping purses and dish towels that hang on the stove handle. I would love to win this book. I am always making small gifts.
Shirley Bock
I love to make homemade gifts for family. Sometimes it just trimming a hand towel or making potholders. It’s just fun! Lcve the slim purse. Would be a great idea.
Jacque Horner
I’d love to lounge in the pool as limp as a noodle! My 4 month old grand needs the seatbelt wrappers and his big sis needs a cute purse with a matching one for Mommy. You and Mary really come up with the greatest things.
Cindy Mills
I am making a small pouch for my son’s game dice and a coffee cozy for a friend.
Mary Wippold
I’ve been a Big fan of Mary Mulari for many, many years. It’s always hard to decide which of her projects to do first. With a new grandson I think it’s time to start a Christmas Countdown Calendar.
Sue W
I participate in a 12 days of Christmas swap every year. So I am always on the look out for useful items to make that are not too complicated. These are some great ideas.
Alice B.
Currently I am finishing a purse that I have adapted to make a diaper bag for my daughter. It has been fun to add extra pockets and personalize. As I have battled cancer sewing has helped me feel like I am doing something worthwhile. It is fun to see the finished product. A few years ago I was privileged to attend Bernina University and took a class from Mary. All I can say is WOW. I have several of her patterns and books she is amazing talent that generously shares her talent.
Gail Beam
I am working on some luggage tags for my grandson to use on his luggage as his other grandparents are taking him to Alaska for his high school graduation gift. I would love to make some of the inspiring gifts shown in this book.
Chris
Lots of fun ideas in here. I am always searching for something new to make for a baby shower.
Kris Brown
Great ideas. I love Mary Mulari creations!!
Alice
I am working on some embroidered outfits for my grandson. I have a new machine, so I am trying to learn how to use it.
Gina M
I love to give gifts to friends and family – including my beautician, my female chiropractor and other service providers! Mary Mulari always has such great sewing ideas. I look forward to her newest book.
Linda Buzz
Love the shoe bag! So cute and so unique! I could use two!
Karen Tucker
These are great ideas! Right now I’m working on some patch-quilted tote bags.
Lori M.
Thank you for sharing this great book of ideas…..I will be making the little purse for all the girls..what a nice gift this will be for their summer plans……
Gail
Just finishing a lap quilt for a wedding gift.
Beverley Hancox
The seat belt wrapper makes so much sense so I’m going to have to make a few for upcoming baby showers. It looks like it would soak up baby drool quite nicely.
Bonnie
What an amazing book! I love Mary Mulari’s creative ideas. I am currently sewing a table runner with matching placemats. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Pamela Jones
My plans are to make beach cover ups for me and the grandkids. Also, gonna make some mesh crossbody seashell bags. I would love to win this lovely book. I recently met a whole new group of ladies that I think those purses would be great for. Also, love the strap covers for car seats. I always feel sorry for the little ones who fall asleep in car seats, these look like it could make it much more confotable. Thanks.
Cindy Drollette
I love to create my own patterns – I’m creating a tech bag that will hold your I-pad, cell phone and some personals, complete with a zippered pocket. But I love seeing your patterns and ideas too!!!
Barb H.
I love the little girlfriend purse! If I get the pattern, I think many friends and family members will be receiving one of these!
Carol
Mary is so creative with a wealth of ideas. Keep them coming!
I am making doll clothes for my granddaughters to enjoy this summer!
Janice LaRue
I love the girlfriends shopping purse. It’s just the right size. Lately I’ve been making items for all my sewing friends and my own sewing room, like scissors holders, pin cushion/trash bags to catch all those threads and scraps as we sew, and pocket organizers for our rulers are next.
MILLIE CARPENTER
I love Mary’s designs and I use a lot of her ideas. the gifts I am sewing are for me. I have been ill and lost a lot of weight, so I am making spring and summer pants and tops for myself. it is easier to do than to alter things after a 35 pound loss.
Cindy Byrd
Fun, fun fun! These ideas make me wish I had little ones to sew for and a swimming pool to use the noodle lounger in. However, I know I will still find items to make for myself and others in this book. The Girlfiend’s Purse will be perfect for friends and family members for Christmas and birthdays. And, I have to be honest….ME! I’m already thinking about the fabric scraps I have handy.
Patti
I love making gifts and these are new and creative, would love to try them.
Nancy Sherr
Great ideas for gifts that are useful. I love the car seat covers. Living in Arizona car seats can become hot enough to burn your skin so it’s a nice way to prevent this. Thanks
Joyce Leary
I love making little purses and wallets for my friends and family and right now I’m making adult seat belt covers so this one for babies is on my to-do list. Thanks for your e-mails; I just love them!
Martha Hood
I am looking at the baby strap covers and the hooded towels for my newest great grand children- always nice to find things like these for the newest members of the family. Thanks for all the great ideas.
Patricia Stengel
I am making phone pillows, tissue pouches, mug rugs, and Christmas themed throw quilts for every member of my family (about 16+!)..and potholders using Nancy’s patterns.
Ellee
Lots of pillowcases! I’ve been making pillowcases for all the cousins.
Margaret Chambers
I think that I will be making some different kinds of bags for gifts, as they are always useful. The table scarf made of the antique handkerchiefs is lovely, and would like to do one of those–would love to have a copy of this gift making book.
Thunder
I am hoping to finish a few quilts, and will be doing some pillow cases.
Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance. 😉
Margi
Usually I sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the show. Today I scrambled for a pen to jot the name of the book down. But I thought, “Hey check the web and enjoy your hot coffee.” So I did.
Bara Lake
I would love to have this book! Thank you for offering. Right now I am looking forward to sewing the Girlfriend Purse, it’s just what a handicapped person I know, needs. Digging through my stash for the perfect pieces!
Your show should be on the list of National Treasures, really!
Thank you for all you’ve done, shown, and taught us over the years.
Sandy
I am the only one of my close friends who sew so I see lots of ideas for gifts! Noodle lounger would be great at the beach week and I have a grandchild on the way so the seat belt cover would be great. So many great ideas!
Ali
Love to make the baby’s gift. They would be fun to many a couple for baby showers
Peggy V
The ideas presented are fantastic, would love to win this book!!
Linda Clark
I was so impressed with the dove designs. I was going to compliment them (as suggested) but the web site was not to be found. Please convey my opinion to them. I was going to ask them if I could use the red, white and blue version as a center for 1 or more Quilts of Valor. Please pass my e-mail to them for an answer. Yjank you for sharing.
PJ
The baby seatbelt cushion is just adorable. I’d love to win the book (or even just the pattern for that gift). Mary is phenomenally creative!
Julie Schomp
I have a very lucky girlfriend who has three new grandchildren all in a short space of time! I’m going to visit her in July and can’t wait to see all the babies. I’ll be bringing gifts from this blog, the Seat Belt Wrappers, hooded bath towels from beach towels and bath towels for that really soft cuddly feeling after a bath! She has so many wonderful ideas I’d love to live next door to her!
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